If you are searching for What to Expect During a Whole Body MRI Scan? MRI is based on magnetic radiations to detect abnormalities in the whole body. MRI is one of the most effective diagnostic tools for soft tissues and other body evaluations. Whole body MRI is based on magnetic waves to detect abnormalities such as cancers, fractures injuries, blood vessels, etc. MRI is the abbreviated form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging which is based on magnetic waves to detect abnormalities.
What is An Whole Body MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a radio-diagnostic modality to examine various abnormalities in the body. Whole body MRI is a prevalent MRI modality, and in clinical practice, it can be used as a detection tool for any abnormalities in the body. Whole body MRI is very useful since it provides information about abnormalities in any area in the body, which makes it the MRI of choice. MRI employs magnetic waves to detect abnormalities and should not be used in patients with any implants in their body such as a pacemaker or rods/plates in their bones, since magnetic waves can displace metallic objects in the body.
Objective of Total-Body MRI
- Total-body MRI is useful for detecting cancer-related tumors
- Total-body MRI is useful for detecting non-cancer related tumors
- Evaluate family/testing for hereditary risk
- Used to assess for musculoskeletal abnormalities
- Useful for detecting infections
- Useful for detecting inflammatory disease
- MRI is useful for assessing vessels
- Useful for detecting chronic disease
- Useful for detecting autoimmune conditions
- Useful for screening symptomatic abnormalities
Whole Body MRI Procedure
Preparation:
Patients will be instructed to remove metal objects (jewelry, watches, and belts).
The medical history will be taken to assess the patient’s medical profile and history, especially any implants made of metal or if the patient has a pacemaker.
If a special contrast dye is being used it will be required for the patient to not eat prior to the MRI.
Location:
The patient lies on a table that slides into the machine, which is flat.
Earplugs or headphones are given to protect the patient against the noise of the machine.
Scan:
The machine produces magnetic waves that help to create in-depth cross-sectional images.
A drug called a contrast agent is used to allow even stronger images and provide details of structures occurring in the body.
Duration:
Depending on the type of the MRI and if the patient needed contrast, the duration taken for this procedure can be between 45 and 90 minutes.
Post-Procedure:
As long as the patient did not receive a sedative or contrast, the patient is free to continue with their normal activity. The report will be reported by the radiologist after reviewing the images from the procedure.
Benefits of Whole-Body MRI
- MRI tests are free of radiation
- MRI allows for complete imaging that assists in the identification and earlier detection of abnormalities.
- MRI assists in the identification and early detection of abnormalities in the body.
- MRI is highly sensitive to abnormalities in soft tissue such as the brain, muscles….
- MRI can see cancer at an early stage.
- MRI assists in assessing the disease and monitoring treatments for the patient.
- MRI is a non-invasive test that does not require an operative procedure.
- The patient does not need a break and can return to work after the scan.
- Whole body MRI can reveal abnormalities of multiple organ systems in one test.
Whole-Body MRI Limitations
- The cost of MRI is an upside-disadvantage considering the cost of x-ray and CT scans.
- The procedures of MRI take longer to complete than that of x-ray and USG studies.
- Some patients tend to fear closed space in the machine.
- The coming off noise associated with MRI can deter patients.
- Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the contrast agent seen with MRI.
- MRI has been known to cause false positives and/or necessitate further testing.
Cost of MRI full body in Delhi NCR
In Delhi NCR, an MRI whole body generally costs anywhere from INR 40,000 to 80,000. The price will vary depending on regional and variable managerials, including the location of the hospital or clinic and the quality of machine and contrast agent used, etc. In certain diagnostic centers and hospitals there may be some adjunctive tests included with MRI whole body prices in a package of studies.
Conclusion
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and uses magnetic waves for detecting abnormalities. What to Expect During a Whole Body MRI Scan The patient is asked to lie on the table connected with the MRI machine and used for looking for abnormalities.The table attached with the MRI machine slides into the machine for detection of abnormalities. There are various types of MRI that are used for diagnosing different body parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is MRI safe for all patients?
In general, patients with a pacemaker or some type of implant will generally not qualify.
Q. Is contrast injection necessary with MRI?
Not usually; contrast is only used as needed to improve images.
Q. Can MRI Whole Body show cancers?
Yes, MRI Whole Body can show cancers anywhere in the body.
Q. Is MRI Whole Body better than the US?
Yes, MRI Whole Body is definitely better than the US.
Q. Who cannot have an MRI?
People with specific types of metal implants, or any metal object in their bodies.
